Arriving at Japan and at the university of Tokyo

Arriving at Japan and at the university of Tokyo by T. Matsuo (Written at March 3, 2009; updated March 12, 2010)

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I recommend that you print imporant pages in prior to your visit.

* From the Narita Airport to the Tokyo city
All international flights to Tokyo arrive at the Narita Airport, which locates at about one hour distance from the center of the Tokyo city. The airport consists of two independent terminals (called Terminal 1 and Terminal 2), and Jetstar Airways will arrive at Terminal 2 (see Airlines information).

The university of Tokyo locates near Ueno (or Keisei Ueno) station, in the center of the Tokyo city (see the map in the Rail page). At the airport, take Keisei Railway: Skyliner which will take you to Keisei Ueno station (one hour, 1,920yen). Keisei Skyliner runs about every 30-40 minutes. All seats of Keisei Skyliner need reservation, but usually they are not full and you can reserve your seat when you arrive the airport.

An important notice: in Japan, it is not common to buy train ticket with credit cards (although we buy all of other things by cards!). Accordingly, Keisei railway does not take any cards. Thus, you need Japanese Yen in cash as soon as you arrive the airport. Use currency exchange services at the airport (there are several on the arrival floor), or prepare small amount of Yen (say, 10,000Yen) in your country, in prior to your trip.

We (the workshop organizers) are planning to pick you (foreign visitors) up at Keisei Ueno station, and take you to the conference venue or the guest house depending on the situation. On arriving Keisei Ueno station, please look for a person who has a board with your name on it.

There is another train from the airport, called JR line: Narita Express, but it is NOT the train you use.

See also:

Japan Reference - Tokyo Guide: Transportation in Tokyo

* In the university campus
I have prepared a google map; please carefully study this map to find three important places: the workshop venue, the guest house, and the Ueno station. (Please let me know if you have trouble viewing the map).

The guest house:

Reception: 8:30--17:30 (Mon.--Sat.), closed (Sun.) (Be careful!)
Gate is open 24hours with electric room key.
Always carry the room key, otherwise you might be locked out!
Room is equipped with standard hotel room facilities, including desk, bath, toilet, air-conditionning, and internet access.
(The only missing thing I noticed is hair dryer. Please bring yourself, if you need, which can be used with 100V power supply).
A shared kitchen on every floor (with basic tools including microwave oven), and a coin laundry room on the second floor.
Rooms are made every three days. (Ask the reception, if you need further service.)
Right next to the guest house, there is a store (24hours open), where you can buy foods, drinks, and other general things.
No breakfast service at the guest house. Use the store, the kitchen, or consult the "restaurant & cafe" list below to find restaurants that are open in the morning.
Checking-out: return the room key to the reception by 10:00a.m. If you are checking out on holidays (Fri. and Sun.; note that March 20th. is national holiday in Japan), the reception will be closed; drop your room key into a small box at the reception desk.